Plaid Cymru Spring Conference 2017

Peace in Kurdistan and the Kurdistan National Congress attended the Plaid Cymru Spring Conference in Newport last weekend.

Leader, Leanne Wood, gave the keynote speech, recalling the Newport Uprising in 1839 when 10,000 Chartists marched on the town demanding democratic reform. She said the Charter was about regaining control of lives, of communities and a new democratic landscape. She said that this was precisely what was needed today: a new charter, with equality, especially of income and justice. We should be vigilant as we leave the EU, that we don’t lose our hard-won rights. Inequality divides people and regions. Local councils must protect, heritage, culture and language.

On migration she said that we are more likely to be treated by someone who has migrated to this country than to see migrants in the queue. Migrants, migrant workers are welcome in Wales, she said.

There is a long history of solidarity between Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Movement and the Kurdish Movement. Jill Evans, MEP, highlighted the Kurdish Struggle for identity and for existence.

Hywel Williams MP, leader of the Westminster group, reiterated his support and solidarity with the Kurdish Movement, and will continue to highlight the issue wherever he can.

Liz Saville Roberts MP, who successfully tabled a 10 minute bill on reform of rape law recently, is particularly interested in accountability for Yezidi women victims of the genocide in Shengal.

Peace in Kurdistan is grateful for the warm welcome received in Wales and will continue to work with Plaid Cymru on common interests of culture, language and self-determination whenever we can.

EMERGENCY APPEAL FOR AFRIN

Life in Afrin

Weekly News Briefing

Jeremy Corbyn issues statement of support for the National Demo

Message from Jeremy Corbyn to Kurdish national demonstration in London:
“I’m sorry not to be able to be with you today, but I send a message of solidarity with today’s demonstration, and with the Kurdish people, under sustained attack across the Middle East.
The conflict in Syria has been the trigger for an onslaught against the Kurdish people, who are defending their autonomy and their rights.
We are watching closely the alarming events that have been unfolding in Turkey in recent weeks, including the killing of civilians and destruction of Kurdish homes.
Any negotiated settlement of the Syrian conflict must include peace and justice for the Kurds, including in Turkey. And the Turkish government needs as a matter of urgency to restart the peace process with the Kurds and respect the rights of all its people.
We call for an end to repression of the Kurds and justice for the Kurdish people throughout the Middle East.”

Destruction and Repression in North Kurdistan

Freedom for Ocalan!

On the 19th anniversary of his kidnap and imprisonment by Turkey, we renew our call for Abdullah Ocalan to be freed as part of a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question.